Environmental Health Division

Finding Lost Wells
Searching for Wells on a PropertyWell
Management Program

Unused wells are often visible as a 1¼ inch to 6-inch diameter steel pipe sticking above the ground, the floor of a basement or basement offset, or a well pit. However, older wells may have casing made of concrete, tile, rock, brick, or stone; and many newer wells are cased with plastic pipe. As discussed previously, some wells were originally buried, and if properties have been remodeled, wells may be built over or around, cut off, or buried. Wells have a life expectancy that can vary considerably. While some wells may last 100 or more years, a life of 25 to 50 years is more common. Properties with a long history may have more than one well. Farm properties are more likely to have multiple wells to serve barns, irrigation, and other purposes.

Well searches generally start with a visual inspection. The information listed under “Physical Evidence” may help find a well. People familiar with the property may be aware of the property’s history, and may be able to point to “lost” wells. State well records were not required before 1974. However, the Minnesota Geological Survey has collected historic well records where available. Counties, townships, or cities may have well information with building permit, sewer permit, or property files. In cases where the physical evidence, personal knowledge, or records are absent, some tools may be needed to locate wells.

Municipal water department - may have record of when public water
supply was provided to property. If home or facility predates this
connection, the property likely has one or more wells.

Sanborn Fire Insurance maps and Fire Underwriters Inspection Bureau (a.k.a. Fisher) maps (well information for commercial or industrial properties), available at Minnesota History Center and at University of Minnesota Wilson Library.